Youth Programs

Castlemaine Rotary supports a range of programs directed toward younger members of our community.

For further information, contact Rotary Youth Director: Bill Maltby.

At a glance (see below for details)

• Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment (RYPEN), 15–17, Years 9–11, 3-day weekend residential camp
• Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA), Years 9–10, weekend program
• Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA), 18–25, one-week program
• Science Experience, year 9–10, 1–3-day program
• National Youth Science Forum (NYSF), commencing year 12, 12-day program

Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment (RYPEN)

RYPEN is a 3-day weekend residential camp designed for students who need a boost in confidence to start achieving their full potential. Participants are encouraged to learn to understand themselves and others, and manage their relationships, lives, work and learning more effectively through a mixture of lecture-style sessions and adventure-based learning.

Eligibility: Age 15–17, Years 9–11
Dates: RYPEN runs twice a year, generally in March and September. Upcoming camps are:
     22/23/24 April
     25/26/27 October.
Location: Doxa, Malmsbury
Application: Current applications close Friday 5 March
Support: Cost $297 paid by Castlemaine Rotary

Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA)

This international youth program simulates the workings of the United Nations General Assembly. Participants debate on matters of world political and social concern. The assembly aims to build goodwill, world peace and understanding through the experience of tackling issues from the viewpoint of the team’s ‘adopted’ country, even where this may be completely contrary to their own views.

Eligibility: Year 10 and 11
Dates: 18–19 May, 2024
Location: Melbourne University
Application: TBA
Support: Castlemaine Rotary sponsorship

Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA)

RYLA provides opportunities to share leadership experiences within a diverse group to understand the unique qualities, abilities and skills of others and how this diversity can empower and encourage participants to facilitate teamwork and greater understanding.

Eligibility: 18–25 years
Dates: One week residential camp, 1–7 December 2024
Location: Metro/Regional camp TBC
Application: October TBC
Support: Castlemaine Rotary sponsorship

Science Experience

Each program is designed to provide students who have an interest in science with an opportunity to engage in a wide range of fascinating science activities under the guidance of scientists who love their work.

Eligibility: Year 9–10
Dates and locations: 
    Location    Program dates    Best apply before
    RMIT University     2–4 July 2024    20 June 2024
    KIOSC Swinburne University    19 Sept 2024    20 Aug 2024
    University of Melbourne, Dookie    27–29 Nov 2024    31 Oct 2024
    University of Melbourne    20–22 Jan 2025    2 Dec 2024
Application: Students wishing to be sponsored should download an application form and send it to Castlemaine Rotary. https://www.scienceexperience.com.au/programs/apply

National Youth Science Forum — January 2026

The National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) Year 12 Program gives students who are about to start Year 12 a broader understanding of study and career options in science.

Applications for the 2026 NYSF Year 12 program close on 20 June 2025. 

We encourage interested students to begin their application early to have time to gather any required information to complete the application.

Suggestions about your application.

• All applications are online. Go to https://www.nysf.edu.au/programs/year-12-program/
• You have to promote yourself. NYSF is a sought-after award and you are competing against students from around Australia for a place. 
• Obviously STEM and career interests are important, but so are:
  • Interests and hobbies; Work; School and other awards;Leadership experiences;
  • Travel, music, sport, life experiences such as farming, coping with floods or drought, or health issues; and
  • Voluntary work or contact with Rotary or other service clubs. 

If you need any assistance you can call Youth Director Terry Murphy on 0425 712 362. Parents are welcome to call if they need additional information.

Funding assistance through Rotary and NYSF

Rotary Castlemaine supports local students selected to attend NYSF by contributing 50% of the student program fee. The 2026 fee is $3,065.00 plus a non-refundable $70 application fee.

The program fee covers all accommodation, meals, and activities while at the program, but does not cover travel to and from the program or travel insurance.
NYSF Access and Equity Scholarship is MOST Important for regional students. All regional students are eligible and need to apply at the time you submit your NYSF application. We suggest you discuss this with your parents. Go to https://www.nysf.edu.au/what-we-do/equity-scholarships/